As book launch intensifies White House buzz, a look at Hillary Clinton's Staten Island story (with photos)

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. - Democrat Hillary Clinton on Tuesday launches her new book, "Hard Choices," a memoir of her State Department years, and will embark on a national promotional tour that is already being seen as a warm-up for a possible 2016 president campaign.

If she runs again - she lost the 2008 primaries to Barack Obama - Mrs. Clinton would be at the top when it comes to presidential candidates who have visited Staten Island, with more than a dozen trips here thus far over the years.

Mrs. Clinton, who visited the borough multiple times as a U.S. senator and candidate, did not come here during her tenure as secretary of state.

"She never forgot Staten Island," said Dongan Hills resident Charles Greinsky, a longtime friend and supporter of Mrs. Clinton and her husband, former President Bill Clinton.

He said, "She prided herself when she was running that she visited all 62 counties. She didn't hit and run. He made herself visible and did meaningful things."

Greinsky hosted the former first couple at his home in 2001, an event he called "the thrill of a lifetime."

As for Mrs. Clinton's potential future White House run, Greinsky said, "I'm anxiously waiting for her to announce."

He said he would be with Mrs. Clinton at Barnes and Noble in Manhattan on Tuesday, helping out with the book launch.

Here's a look at Mrs. Clinton's travels and other connections to the Island.

September 2008: Headlines a rally for congressional candidate Michael McMahon at Wagner College, Grymes Hill, before appearing at McMahon fundraiser at the Old Bermuda Inn, Rossville.

November 2006: Holds re-election rally with Island Democrats and chats up seniors at New Lane Senior Center, Rosebank.

August 2006: Talks mass transit problems at Staten Island Chamber of Commerce breakfast at the Hilton Garden Inn, Bloomfield. Takes pass on NASCAR question, saying it's a "local decision." Also holds a fundraiser at the hotel and visited a Children's Aid Society camp.

November 2005: Takes ride on ferryboat Andrew J. Barberi for taping of TV talk show with Ellen DeGeneres.

August 2005: Speaks at Staten Island Economic Development Corp. "Women in Business and Politics" forum at the St. George Theatre, saying much was left to be done to level the playing field between men and women in the workplace and elsewhere.

August 2005: Appears at Dem Party fundraiser at American Grill in Sunnyside.

August 2005: Calls up Conservative Borough President James Molinaro to discuss transit issues.

February 2005: Lunches with soldiers in Fallujah, Iraq, including Marine Lance Cpl. Kevin Kerbis of Tottenville. Though praising the then-U.S. senator for making the trip, replies "negative" when asked if he will vote for her.

October 2004: Backs Democrat Diane Savino for state Senate over Republican Al Curtis.

July 2004: During New York delegation breakfast at Democratic National Convention in Boston, gives shout-out to borough Dems, calling them "a growing and hearty band."

May 2004: Calls for increased homeland security funding during tour of Coast Guard Station New York, Fort Wadsworth. Also visits Sea View Hospital Rehabilitation Center and Home, advocates for building of senior housing there. Meets with Iran Greinsky and Ceil Wisotsky, who were able to marry after Mrs. Clinton's bill benefiting military widows became law.

November 2003: Electrifies crowd as keynote speaker for Advance's Women of Achievement luncheon at Hilton Garden Inn, praising the honorees for their service, and the Advance for sponsoring the event.

October 2003: During meeting with Advance Editorial Board, says President George Bush is clueless about Iraq war. Also talks about Island population growth and transit problems during talk to Chamber of Commerce at Hilton Garden Inn. Says she favors cross-harbor freight tunnel. Also visits St. Philip's Baptist Church, Port Richmond and the CYO Senior Guild.

October 2002: Donates $5,000 to campaign of Democratic House candidate Arne Mattsson, who is challenging then-GOP Rep. Vito Fossella.

February 2002: Addresses education issues, including her effort to change Title I funding formula, during meeting with Advance Editorial Board. Also tours World Trade Center investigation site at old Fresh Kills landfill and meets with firefighters at Rescue Co. 5. Speaks to a meeting of the Business and Professional Women's Organization at Jimmy Max.

July 2001: With her husband, former President Bill Clinton, attend event at Dongan Hills home of longtime friends Charles and Ilene Greinsky. That same day they attend a "Gift of Limbs" picnic with Sierra Leone refugees at the old Camp St. Edward in Pleasant Plains. DEA picnic

September 2000: During three-hour Senate campaign swing, calls for on-time Fresh Kills landill closure. Also talks education issues during visit to PS 36 in Annadale, and meets with transit union members at Yukon bus depot.

February 2000: Private fundraiser with Pakistani-Americans on Todt Hill causes controversy because it comes at time of debate whether President Bill Clinton should visit Pakistan.

February 2000: Private meeting with Democrats at R.H. Tugs in Livingston.

December 1999: Island critics hit at Mrs. Clinton for bypassing Island during her state "listening tour" in advance of her race for U.S. Senate.